Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) – a powerful tool that’s changing the game in cybersecurity. But what exactly is an SBOM, why is it so crucial, and how does it improve software security? Let’s go through and explore SBOM vital component of secure software management.
What is SBOM?
Think of an SBOM as a detailed inventory list for software. Just as food labels list ingredients, an SBOM lists all the components — open-source libraries, third-party dependencies, and proprietary code — that make up a software application.
In technical terms, an SBOM describes:
- The components used in the software, including open-source and third-party code.
- The licenses associated with these components.
- The versions of each component.
- Any known vulnerabilities linked to these components.
An SBOM helps organizations know exactly what’s running in their systems. Without it, tracking down vulnerabilities or managing risks becomes guesswork.
Why is SBOM Important in Cybersecurity?
Supply Chain Transparency
Modern software is built on layers of code written by different teams, using both custom and third-party libraries. These supply chains are susceptible to attacks. The SolarWinds breach is a prime example, where attackers inserted malware into an update, impacting thousands of organizations.
An SBOM would’ve allowed faster identification of the compromised components. By making the software supply chain transparent, SBOMs reduce blind spots and improve security.
Vulnerability Management
Vulnerabilities like Log4j and Heartbleed have highlighted how dangerous unpatched components can be. When a new vulnerability is disclosed, security teams need to act fast. An SBOM shows which software uses the affected component, speeding up the response time. Without an SBOM, identifying affected systems is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Compliance with Regulations
Governments and industry standards are increasingly demanding better software security. In 2021, President Biden’s Executive Order on Cybersecurity required federal agencies and contractors to use SBOMs to enhance software transparency.
Standards like ISO/IEC 27001 and frameworks from NIST also push for better supply chain security. Adopting SBOMs now can help future-proof your compliance strategy.
Improved Incident Response
When a breach happens, time is critical. An SBOM gives a clear roadmap of the software’s components, making it easier to pinpoint the origin of the threat and take corrective action.
What Does SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) Contains?
A complete SBOM includes several key elements:
- Open-Source Components:
Most software relies on open-source libraries. According to the 2024 OSSRA report, 96% of codebases contained open-source code. Open-source speeds up development but also introduces risks if not properly managed. An SBOM lists each library, its purpose, and its integration points. - Licensing Information:
Open-source licenses vary from permissive (like MIT) to restrictive (like GPL). Misusing a license can lead to legal problems. An SBOM tracks all license types, helping companies avoid violations and costly litigation. - Versioning:
Outdated components are a top target for attackers. An SBOM records version details so teams can quickly see if patches are needed. Tools like Software Composition Analysis (SCA) make it easier to stay updated. - Known Vulnerabilities:
Publicly disclosed vulnerabilities are cataloged in databases like CVE. An SBOM connects components to known CVEs, highlighting risks that require immediate attention. The Equifax breach of 2017 happened partly because the company didn’t know it was using a vulnerable version of Apache Struts.
Open-Source Risks Without SBOM
- License Violations
Ignoring license obligations can be costly. A comprehensive SBOM shows whether you’re using compliant licenses. - Unmaintained Code
Components with no recent updates introduce operational risks. An SBOM helps identify unsupported code that could become a security gap. - Hidden Vulnerabilities
The OSSRA report found that 81% of codebases had at least one public vulnerability. Without an SBOM, finding these issues is a daunting task.
How to Create an SBOM
Step 1: Identify Your Software’s Components
The first step in creating an SBOM is to identify all the components that make up your software. This is more than just the obvious libraries you know you’re using. You need to account for:
- Direct dependencies: These are the libraries or frameworks you intentionally include in your project (e.g.,
lodashfor JavaScript orrequestsfor Python). - Transitive dependencies: These are the libraries your direct dependencies rely on. You may not be aware of these, but they still need to be included in the SBOM.
- In-house code: If your software includes any proprietary or custom-built components, make sure to list those too.
Step 2: Use Tools to Automatically Generate Your SBOM
Manually creating an SBOM might sound like a lot of work, and it can be, especially for large projects. Luckily, there are some great tools that can help automate this process for you. These tools scan your code and pull in all the necessary information to generate a complete SBOM.
- CycloneDX: This is an open-source SBOM standard, and it’s particularly useful for modern software development. It’s designed to be simple yet detailed, covering everything from version numbers to known vulnerabilities.
- SPDX (Software Package Data Exchange): This is another open standard for SBOMs. It’s widely adopted and is known for its simplicity. You can output your SBOM in a variety of formats, including JSON and RDF.
- Syft: A tool for generating SBOMs specifically for container images and filesystems. It supports formats like SPDX and CycloneDX.
- OWASP Dependency-Check: A great option if you want not just an SBOM, but also a vulnerability scanner. It can help you identify known vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
- GitHub’s Dependency Graph & SBOM Generator: If you’re hosting your project on GitHub, this built-in tool can automatically generate an SBOM from your project’s dependency graph.
These tools will automatically pull in the names, versions, licenses, and other metadata for all your components.
Step 3: Choose Your SBOM Format
Once your SBOM is generated, it’s important to choose the right format for your needs. There are a few different formats to consider:
- SPDX: This format is widely used because it’s simple and easy to understand. It’s also machine-readable, making it easy to integrate with other tools.
- CycloneDX: This is a more detailed format, designed with security in mind. It’s great if you’re working in a DevSecOps environment and need more detailed information about components and vulnerabilities.
- JSON, YAML, or XML: These are common file formats for exporting your SBOM. JSON is great for integration with other tools, while YAML is easier to read for humans.
Step 4: Keep Your SBOM Updated
You won’t want your SBOM to be outdated, right? As your software grows and changes, so do your dependencies. You might add new libraries or remove old ones. To keep your SBOM accurate, here are a few tips:
- Update it regularly: Every time you release a new version of your software, make sure your SBOM is updated to reflect any changes in your dependencies.
- Run vulnerability scans: Use tools to regularly scan your SBOM for known vulnerabilities. If any of your dependencies are outdated or insecure, you’ll want to know about it as soon as possible.
- Version control: Store your SBOM in version control (like GitHub or GitLab), just like your code. This ensures that it stays in sync with your project and is accessible to your team.
Step 5: Share Your SBOM with Stakeholders
Once your SBOM is created and updated, it’s time to share it with the right people. This might include:
- Your customers: They’ll want to know exactly what’s inside the software they’re using, especially if there’s a security vulnerability or licensing issue with a component.
- Your security team: They’ll use the SBOM to check for any known vulnerabilities in your dependencies and help you patch them quickly.
- Auditors: If your organization is subject to audits or compliance checks, an SBOM is often a requirement to prove you’re managing your software supply chain properly.
Conclusion
Creating and keeping your SBOM updated might feel like a big job at first, but trust me, it’s super important in today’s software world, especially for keeping your software secure and making sure it meets the rules. With the right tools, you can make the whole process smoother, and the rewards are totally worth the effort.
By following the steps we’ve talked about, you’ll have a solid, up-to-date list of all the parts in your software. This makes it way easier to handle risks, fix security problems, and stay on top of compliance.
